Two watchdog organizations are trying to get the Appropriations Committee to wipe $59 million worth of earmark requests in the 2008 defense spending bill for BAE and ProLogic. Both companies are under federal investigation, BAE for allegedly bribing the Saudi government to secure contracts and ProLogic for for allegedly diverting public funds to develop commercial software.

In their letter, the National Legal and Policy Center and Taxpayers for Common Sense, argue that removing the earmark requests is an "important step in restoring public faith in Congress."

"By contrast, if these issues are not addressed, the committee will be sending the message that the way to success in getting taxpayers' money is to put your facilities in key Congressional districts, give campaign donations to those Congressmen, and hope the Congress rewards you despite an ongoing federal investigation regarding possible defrauding of the government and accusations of bribery."

Still, they shouldn't hold their breath. Both groups have strong political connections, says The Hill's Roxana Tiron.

Hill points out that BAE's political action committee, has provided lawmakers with $706,000 worth of handouts. It's one of the top five congressional givers among defense companies and beneficiaries include David Obey, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and Robert Byrd, who chairs the Senate committee. ProLogic has also given campaign contributions.